In June 2024, a disturbing video of mass cheating during MA and MBA exams conducted by the Indira Gandhi National Open University in Bihar surfaced, raising serious questions about the state’s education system. This incident is part of a troubling trend in Bihar, where cheating during examinations has become increasingly common.
In February 2023, another video from Samastipur district showed family members passing chits to Class X students through window grills during an exam. Similar incidents have been reported over the years, including young men photographed climbing buildings to help students cheat. Such traditional cheating methods are prevalent in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, driven by a combination of factors including a lack of political will to enforce academic integrity, poor educational resources, and a shortage of qualified teachers.
The Shift to AI-Driven Cheating
As the education system grapples with these longstanding issues, a new and more sophisticated form of cheating has emerged: the use of artificial intelligence. Students and researchers are increasingly turning to AI-driven technology to assist in cheating, making detection more challenging. The fear among educators is that students who rely on AI for dishonest practices may carry these habits into the workforce, perpetuating a cycle of dishonesty.
Recent reports from British universities indicate a significant rise in AI-assisted cheating. In 2023, over 7,300 student applications were identified as containing plagiarized content, with many applicants from India utilizing AI tools for their personal statements. The extent of similar practices at the undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD levels in India remains largely undocumented.
Addressing Plagiarism and Cheating
To combat rampant plagiarism, the University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced regulations in 2018 aimed at promoting academic integrity. This included the mandatory use of anti-plagiarism software for PhD theses. Despite these measures, the issue persists, with numerous cases of plagiarism reported among faculty and students alike.
A former vice-chancellor of Delhi University highlighted a notable case of blatant plagiarism in a doctoral dissertation, revealing systemic issues within the academic community. The increasing use of AI for academic misconduct has prompted calls for more robust plagiarism detection tools, which have seen wider adoption in Indian universities.
Evolving Educational Practices
The challenge lies not only in detection but also in the impact of AI on the learning process. Students may produce high-quality work using AI tools but often miss out on developing essential skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. While educators have turned to detection tools like Turnitin and GPTZero, reliance on these technologies alone is insufficient.
The proliferation of AI in higher education mirrors past concerns over calculators in math exams, where initial resistance gave way to acceptance of technological advancements. Educators must adapt their assessment methods to incorporate AI, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of student abilities.
The Need for Reform
There is a genuine concern that reliance on AI tools may erode critical thinking skills among students. To prepare students for the job market, educational institutions must rethink their teaching and assessment strategies. Embracing technology in a constructive manner could transform higher education, fostering an environment where students learn to navigate the complexities of modern life.
The ongoing debate about AI in education serves as a reminder of the need for reform, emphasizing the importance of instilling academic integrity while adapting to new technological realities.
